An experienced lead-off hitter, over 96 percent of Span’s at-bats in the big leagues have come while batting at the top of the Twins’ batting order.

Span is also difficult to strike out. In 2012, he ranked sixth in the American League by fanning just once every 9.2 plate appearances. Span was the 10th-most difficult qualified AL player (minimum 1000 plate appearances) to strikeout the last three seasons (9.2 PA/K from 2010-12).

Dating to his rookie campaign of 2008, Span’s .357 on-base percentage ranks 10th among all outfielders to amass at least 2500 plate appearances.

Span also offers strong defensive range and advanced instincts. Last season he led all qualified MLB center fielders in both range factor per 9.0 innings (2.89) and putouts per 9.0 innings (2.84).

In both 2009 and ’10, Span’s offensive and defensive package helped the Twins capture back-to-back AL Central titles. In six postseason contests with Minnesota, Span hit .357 (10-for-28) with a double and one RBI.

Span, 28, was born in Washington, D.C., but spent the majority of his youth living in the Tampa area. He graduated from Tampa Catholic (FL) High School before being drafted by Minnesota in the first round (20th overall) of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.